Garment Protector

ABSTRACT

A garment protector for securing a pant leg to a boot so that the pant leg does not become ensnared or dirty is provided herein. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible pant leg retainer designed so that it presses the end of the pant leg against a piece of footwear, such as a boot, in a tight, secure manner. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped retainer that secures a pant leg to a boot by sliding over the pant leg and around the rear portion, heel, of the boot. Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer with decorative features that are visible from the rear or sides of the retainer. Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with strap attachments located on the end of each arm of the retainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to garment accessories, and morespecifically, to garment accessories which protect or retain pants cuffswhile providing a preferred aesthetic effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within many equestrian, motorcycling, or like communities, it may bepreferred to wear pants, trousers, or the like which employ a longerinseam than a person of the same stature would normally wear. Whenmounted upon a horse or motorcycle, pant material in the groin region ispressed upwards upon the user, effectively shortening the inseam of thepants. The additional length to the inseam of the longer pants providesample material to fully cover footwear when seated on a horse,motorcycle, or the like. Unfortunately, when the user is not seated ontheir preferred steed, the additional inseam length allows the cuff ofthe pants to drag on the ground, and may even be stepped on. This causesa great deal of unneeded wear to the cuff of the pants, which may beaesthetically unpleasing, and further reduces the usable lifespan of thepants.

Many methods have been employed to prevent this type of wear. Onemodality sees the use of a user-detachable ribbon of cloth with imbeddeddistal magnets. The user attaches the device to the top of the heel ofthe preferred footwear with the ribbon hanging downward. The user thenfolds the ribbon upwardly back upon itself, subsequently attracting thetwo magnets onto each other. This creates a loop of fabric for which thepant cuff can sit in while the magnets pinch the fabric proximal to thetop of the footwear. Unfortunately, this can create an undesiredaesthetic effect, and furthermore, requires the user to modifypotentially-expensive footwear in order to attach the device for use.

U-shaped devices are known within the art. Such devices are comprised ofan elastic or springy material in an extended “U” shape. This allows theuser to pull the arms of the U open and essentially clamp the pant cuffonto the back of the footwear using the spring tension built up withinthe device when opened. Unfortunately, this modality does not produce afirm clamp upon the pant cuff, and minor jostling may cause the deviceto fall off, rendering it not very effective in sporting ormovement-based applications. Additionally, this method only sees a smallround springbar holding the pant cuff in place, which may not beaesthetically pleasing to the user.

Several modalities within the art see clips being employed in aplurality of methods. One such embodiment has the user clip an X-shapedadjustable device onto the cuff of the shoe. This device featuresreversed distal clips on the bottom of the device in order to clip ontothe user's pant cuff. Unfortunately, this device must be placedpartially within the shoe, creating a potential for unwanted heelcontact with the device, and subsequent discomfort. This device alsoonly allows for a maximum height of the cuff of the shoe, as boots maybe too tall for the device to attach to.

Another such device employs opposing clips. One end of the device isclipped into the shoe, and the other clip holds the pant cuff. Not onlydoes this require the potential discomfort of having a device insertedinto the shoe, the pant cuff will be held above the height of the shoecuff, causing an unpleasant aesthetic effect.

Another device employs a springsteel money-clip device which folds backonto itself in order to capture a pant cuff after it has been foldedonto itself at the correct length. Unfortunately, this device must bereadjusted when the user wishes to lengthen or shorten the pants, andcan eventually create wear on the material from constant folding andcompression. This device may also be aesthetically unpleasing in itsconstruction.

Riding spurs have long been used to encourage a horse to perform at peakability. Traditionally, a spur has a generally U-shaped metal component,referred to as a band, that fits about the rear of the rider's bootadjacent the heel and has a rearward projection which often carries apoint or a rowel having a multiplicity of points. In conventionaldesigns, each spur normally has two straps that are attached to theopposite ends of the band and also serve to releasably attach the spurto the rider's boot. In such conventional designs, one strap passesunder the instep of the boot, while the second strap is buckled abovethe foot of the boot, thereby releasably attaching the spur to the bootthrough a plurality of buttons on the U-shaped component of the spur. Inconventional spur designs, the rear of the heel of the boot frequentlyurges the band of the spur to ride upward, causing the projection of thespur carrying the point or rowel to extend in a direction that is moreor less parallel to the rider's leg.

It could be said there lies a need for a pants cuff protector whichallows the user to attach the device steadfastly to the footwear of theuser which disallows the cuff of the over-lengthened pants to drag onthe ground while maintaining an aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

The present invention meets this need by providing the user with anaesthetically-pleasing plate-like pant cuff protector which attaches tothe footwear of the user through either spring tension or a securedbutton and strap system, and does not require the user to modify theirfootwear, or otherwise require the pants to be folded in any way.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a garment protector for securing a pantleg to a boot so that the pant leg does not become ensnared or dirty. Apreferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible pantleg retainer designed so that it presses the end of the pant leg againsta piece of footwear, such as a boot, in a tight, secure manner. The pantleg remains in place due to the friction between the pant leg and theboot created by the retainer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an elongated u-shapedretainer is provided that secures a pant leg to a boot by sliding overthe pant leg and around the rear portion, heel, of the boot.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an elongated u-shapedpant leg retainer is provided with decorative features that are visiblefrom the rear or sides of the retainer. The decorative features enhancethe aesthetic value of the retainer when it is attached to a pant leg.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an elongatedu-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with strap attachments located onthe end of each arm of the retainer. The strap attachments are designedso that a strap can be placed over the top of the center portion of theboot in a manner that aids in securing the retainer to the boot.

Other novel features which are characteristics of the invention, as toorganization and method of operation, together with further andadvantages thereof will be better understood from the followingdescription considered in connection with the accompanying figures, inwhich preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way ofexample. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the figures arefor illustration and description only and are not intended as adefinition of the limits of the invention. The various features ofnovelty which characterize the invention are pointed out withparticularity in the following description. The invention resides not inany one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particularcombination of all of its structures for the functions specified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorativearea as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a garment protector with a solid decorativearea as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a garment protector with a mesh decorative areaas according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorativearea as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a garment protector with a frame decorativearea on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorativearea on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an outside view of a garment protector with a frame decorativearea attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorativearea attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorativeand a metal plate with a boot strap attachment as according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorativearea and boot strap attachments attached directly to the soliddecorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the accompanyingdescription. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplaryof methods for carrying out the present invention, both the organizationand method of operation of the invention, in general, together withfurther objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understoodby reference to the illustrations and the following description. Thefigures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, butmerely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that the variousembodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarilymutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may beimplemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location orarrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment maybe modified without departing from the scope of the invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s)of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplaryembodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the method(s) orapparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.The following description of the preferred embodiment is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or use.

There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof that followsmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form additional subject matter. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based maybe readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures,methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the presentinvention. It is important, therefore, that any embodiments of thepresent invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract herein is to enable the U.S. Patentand Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The Abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of this application nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

Referring now to the present invention, there is introduced a garmentprotector comprised of an elongated u-shaped base component, a reardecorative area, and in some embodiments, attachments for attaching aboot strap. For the purpose of clarity, all like elements mentioned inthis description will have the same designations. The terms “garmentprotector”, “protector”, “retainer”, “apparatus”, “invention”, and“present invention” may be used interchangeably. In addition to thefunctions, features, components, and abilities of the invention alreadydiscussed in this specification, the invention may also have, but not belimited to, the following features contained within the descriptionbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, that will be discussed together, there areshown views of embodiments of the present invention. An embodiment ofthe present invention generally comprises an elongated u-shaped basecomponent (100), hereinafter referred to as a “base component (100)”, adecorative area (101, 106, 107), and decorative items (102). The basecomponent (100) is of sufficient structural rigidity that it securesembodiments of the present invention to articles of footwear, such asboot or shoes (103). The base component (100) also possess sufficientflexibility to allow embodiments of the present invention to be slid onand off of the heel area of the footwear (103).

The present invention secures the leg of garments, such as pants, jeans,or the like, to the heel of the footwear (103). The base component (103)is designed to slide over the leg of a garment while the leg of thegarment is over an item of footwear (103) and hold the garment leg inplace. The base component (100) is shaped so that it contacts the leg ofthe garment along the inner portion of its sides and along the innerportion of the curved rear area. The parts of the base component (100)that contact the leg of the garment can be collectively referred to asthe base component's inner contact side, or inner side.

Friction generated by the compressive force between the base component(100) and the footwear (103) prevents the garment leg from coming looseor slipping out of the invention. By securing the leg of garments to theheel of footwear (103), the present invention prevents the garment legfrom contacting the ground, becoming dirty, or entangling in foreignobjects. The garment leg is kept clean and damage free.

The base component (100) is constructed of a material that providessufficient gripping force to prevent the invention from inadvertentlydislodging from the footwear (103) or allowing the leg of a garment tounwantedly come loose. However, the base component (100) material allowsthe invention to be easily removed by a user when the user is finishedusing the invention. Materials that the base component (100) can beconstructed of include, but are not limited to: metal (including steel),plastic, rubber, wood, or mixtures of different materials.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a decorative area(101, 106, 107) that provides aesthetic value to the invention. Thedecorative area (101, 106, 107) is attached to some or all of the top ofthe base component (100). The top of the base component (100) isconsidered to be the side of the base component (100) that is roughlyopposite of the side that faces the ground when the invention is in use.That is, the top of the base component (100) can be said to be the sideof the elongated u-shaped base component (100) that faces up when theinvention is securing a garment leg to an item of footwear (103). Thedecorative area (101, 106, 107) is configured differently for differentembodiments. Some embodiments provide a solid decorative area (101). Thesolid decorative area (101) may be constructed from leather, metal, orplastic, depending on the requirements of the specific embodiment. Itshould be noted that steel and variations thereof, such as stainless,carbon, alloy, and tool steel are considered to be metal for purposes ofthis Description.

It should be noted that the decorative are (103) is secured to the basecomponent (100) on an area of the base component (100) so that thedecorative area (103) exerts less compressive pressure on the leg of agarment when the invention is in use. In some embodiments, thedecorative area (103) is attached to the midpoint of the upper side ofthe base component (100) thereby setting the decorative area (103) backfrom the inner, contact edge of the base component (100). The offsetbetween the leading edge, or side, of the base component (100) causesthe decorative area (103) to exert less, if any, compressive force onthe leg of a garment when the invention is in use.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the decorative area (103)is attached to the outer side of the base component (100) so that thedecorative area (103) provides less, if any, compressive force upon theleg of a garment than the inner contact side of the base component(100).

A plurality of decorative items (102) can be attached to the soliddecorative area (101). The decorative items (102) further enhance theaesthetic appeal of the present invention. The decorative items (102)can be rhinestones, buttons, jewels, beads, or any other item thataesthetically enhances the invention. Furthermore, the decorative itemsmay be a homogeneous collection, or a heterogeneous mixture of varyingitems.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide a mesh decorativearea (106). The mesh decorative area (106) is attached to the basecomponent (106) directly, such as by welding or gluing, or can beattached by fasteners such as screws or rivets. It should be noted thatgarment legs may or may not contact the decorative areas (101, 106,107). Contact with the decorative areas (101, 106, 107) is not requiredfor proper functioning of the invention. Although pictured withoutdecorative items (102), some embodiments provide mesh decorative areas(106) with decorative items (102) attached.

Still other embodiments of the present invention provide a framedecorative area (107). The frame decorative area (107) provides apattern of solid components that, when taken together, constitute aframe. The frame decorative area (107) can have decorative items (102)attached at a plurality of locations, such as at the junctions of theframe components. The frame decorative area (107) can be constructed ofmetal, plastic, wood, or the like. Portions of the frame decorative area(107) can have decorative items (102) affixed thereto. The decorativeitems (102) may improve the aesthetics of the invention.

Some embodiments of the present invention are configured to attach to aboot strap (104). A boot strap (104) is traditionally used with equinefootwear to secure spurs on to a boot. Embodiments of the presentinvention have a boot strap attachment (105) affixed to the front partof the base component (100). The front part of the base component (100)is considered to be either, or both, of the leading edges of the basecomponent (100). The leading edges of the base component (100) are theends of each side that are the first to be slid over a pant leg when thedevice is in use. That is, the front part is either one, or both, of theends of the u-shaped base component (100).

The boot strap attachment (105) comprises one or more components thatallow the invention to be detachably attached to a boot strap (104). Inan embodiment of the present invention, a metal D-ring is welded on tothe base component (100). A steel plate is wrapped around the D-ring ina manner that allows the plate to rotate around the D-ring, but does notallow the plate to come loose from the D-ring. A portion of the platehas a button or rivet attached, the button or rivet being inserted intothe boot strap.

It should be noted that a boot strap (104) is not required as the singlemeans for securing the present invention to a boot, or for the inventionto properly secure the leg of a garment to a boot. The boot strapattachment (105) and the purpose of attaching the invention to a bootstrap serves the dual purpose of improving the aesthetic value for auser wearing the invention, and provides an additional means of securingthe invention to a boot (103).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10, some embodiments of thepresent invention provide a metal plate attached directly to the basecomponent (100). The metal plate provides an anchoring point for theboot strap attachment (105). Other embodiments may provide anchoringpoints for the boot strap attachment (105) on other areas of the presentinvention.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the boot strapattachment (105) can attach directly to the invention without the needfor a metal plate or other type of anchoring point. A steel plate,comprising any one or combination of types of steel, is considered atype of metal that can be used with this invention. Such an embodimentcan be seen in FIG. 10 where the boot strap attachment (105) is a rivetor a button that attaches directly to the decorative area (103). Theboot strap attachment (105) could also attach directly to the basemember (100) or a frame decorative area (107).

Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention the boot strapis attached to the boot strap attachment (105) and extended underneaththe sole of the boot. The placement of the boot strap attachments (105)on the invention allow for the boot strap to be placed under the bootwithout difficulty.

There are described and illustrated new and improved garment protector.The inventive portions of the garment protector include severalcomponents and steps that, when taken together, constitute an embodimentof the present invention. The above detailed description sets forthrather broadly the more important features of the present invention inorder that its contributions to the art may be better appreciated.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that this description be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Although certain example methods, apparatus, apparatus and articles ofmanufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of thisapplication is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this applicationcovers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly fallingwithin the scope of the invention either literally or under the doctrineof equivalents.

Directional terms such as “front”, “forward”, “back”, “rear”, “in”,“out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”and the like may have been used in the description. These terms areapplicable to the embodiments shown and described herein. These termsare merely used for the purpose of description and do not necessarilyapply to the position in which components or items within the presentinvention may be used.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of a garment protector. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the garment protector to the exact construction andoperation

I claim:
 1. an apparatus comprising: a base component that secures theleg of a garment to an item of footwear; a decorative area that isattached to base component; wherein the base component is shaped in anelongated u-shape with two sides and a curved rear portion, the basecomponent being shaped so that the leg of a garment contacts both sidesand the curved rear portion when base component is securing the leg of agarment to the item of footwear, the base component being shaped so thatthe leg of the garment is secured to the item of footwear by compressiveforce; the decorative area being attached to some or all of the top sideof the base component; and the decorative area being attached to thebase component in a location that causes the decorative area to provideless compressive force upon the leg of a garment than the compressiveforce provided by the base component.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the base component is shaped so that it can be slid over the legof a garment and over the heel of the item of footwear.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein base component is constructed of metal.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the garment is a pair of pants or jeans andwherein the item footwear is a shoe or boot.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the decorative area is a mesh.
 6. The Apparatus of claim 1wherein the decorative area is constructed of metal.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising decorative items that are attached to thedecorative area.
 8. A device that secures a pant leg to a bootcomprising; An elongated u-shaped base component that is shaped so thatit can be slid simultaneously over a pant leg and over the boot; thebase component being shaped so that it generates a compressive forcethat secures the pant leg to the boot; a decorative area that providesaesthetic value to the device; wherein the decorative area is attachedto the top or outer side of the base component; wherein the decorativearea provides less, if any, compressive force on the pant leg when thedevice is being used to secure the pant leg to the boot; and wherein thedecorative area is a mesh, a frame, or a solid surface.
 9. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the base component is constructed of wood, plastic, ormetal.
 10. The device of claim 8 further comprising decorative itemsthat are attached to the decorative area.
 11. The device of claim 10wherein the decorative items are rhinestones, plastic, glass, orsemi-precious stones.
 12. The device of claim 8 further comprising aboot strap attachment that is attached to the front part of the basecomponent.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein the boot strap attachmentis a button or rivet.
 14. The device of claim 8 wherein a framedecorative area is a metal frame.
 15. An apparatus that protects a pantleg from dirt by securing the pant leg to an item of footwear throughcompressive force wherein: an elongated u-shaped base component that isshaped and sized so that it generates compressive force when placed overthe pant leg and footwear; the base component having an inner contactside that contacts the pant leg when the apparatus is in use; the basecomponent having a decorative area attached to its top or outer side;the decorative area being a solid surface, a mesh, or a frame; thedecorative area providing less compressive force on the pant leg thanthe base component, wherein the offset between the decorative area andthe inner contact side causes the decorative area to provide lesscompressive force; and decorative items are attached to the decorativearea.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a boot strapattachment that attaches the apparatus to a boot strap.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the boot strap attachment is a button orrivet.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the button or rivet of theboot strap is shaped so that it can pass through a buttonhole of a bootstrap.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the base component is madeof metal, wood, or plastic.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein thebase member is shaped so that a user may slide it on or off over a pantleg that is covering a portion of the footwear.